Spinach and Artichoke Melts

So you know your favorite party dip, spinach and artichoke? Yeah, I totally slathered that ALL over some bread and grilled it up grilled cheese style. It’s pretty much the best thing your face is gonna meet today. I mean it’s Monday, let’s be honest we don’t encounter a whole lot of amazingness on a Monday. No offense to your boss, husband, your kids or that boring turkey sandwich you would have eaten.

Have you guys ever been to a Claddagh Irish Pub? They have a few in Ohio, Pennsylvania and I think a few other states in the Midwest. I have only been there a handful of times when I was younger, but I always got the same thing, the Chicken Spinach Melt.

My grandma and I would go shopping on the weekends a lot, we like to shop and she loves to go out to lunch. So we’d shop, work up quite the appetite, and have some lunch. I know pretty fun right? Sounds like a good Saturday to me!

I have no idea what was in that melt other than spinach, artichokes and chicken. Honestly I can not even believe I remember what it tasted like it was so long ago, but I created a pretty good copy cat.

Basically the spread is a lightened up version of spinach and artichoke dip. Seriously, I could eat this stuff with a spoon it’s so good (good thing the recipe makes extra dip, you know for the “taste test”). Slather it on some sourdough bread and grill in a pan so it gets all oozy, gooey, crispy and delicious! Yeah, I know. Whoa!

Trust me this is gonna brighten your Monday right up. Oh and hey, isn’t that big sporting event thingy this Sunday? Oh yeah the Super Bowl. Yeah, this is pretty much perfect for that.

Instructions

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for a couple of minutes. Whisk in flour until it makes a paste. Cook over medium-low heat for a minute or two, then pour in milk. Stir and cook one minute, if your paste gets too thick splash in more milk.

Add cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan and pepper. Stir until cheeses are melted. Stir in the greek yogurt until smooth. Chop artichokes and spinach and add to the sauce. Stir to combine. Dip will be thick, just use some muscle and stir in those veggies!

Heat a skillet (or griddle, etc) oven medium-low heat. Butter the outsides of every bread slice, then spread a good amount (any where from 1-3 tablespoons) of the spinach and artichoke dip on the inside (the non-buttered side) of each slice. If using, top one slice with the sliced grilled chicken. Top off with another slice of bread, buttered-side up. Cook until each side is golden and crisp and cheese is melted, then gently flip and do the same.

Slice and serve.

Recipe Notes

You will have leftover spinach and artichoke dip. You can use this again for sandwiches the next day, as a sauce, for paste or as a yummy dip!

I just made this to pack away and use at a later date. I mopped up the extra that was in the pan with the heel of untoasted bread and it was super yummy! I was a little worried about the 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes but it added a really good heat! Thanks for posting this recipe 🙂

Made these for dinner tonight. One word: amazing! Very easy to make! I actually used plain yogurt instead of the Greek (only kind I had on hand) and they turned out amazing. I advise using the red pepper-gives it a nice kick. I’ll definitely be making this again.

This was my FAVORITE sandwich at Claddagh’s and the most amazing spinach dip I ever had. I was so upset when the shut down the restaurant close to my home. I just did a search for the spinach dip recipe so I could make this sandwich and found this blog. THANK YOU!! I cannot wait to try it!!!!

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I just want to tell you how much I love your recipes!! I’ve used a lot of them and they are delicious every time. You are definitely my go to when I’m looking for something new and different to make! Keep them coming!!

Meet Tieghan Gerard.

I’m Tieghan, the recipes you’ll find here are inspired by the people and places I love most. I try to live simply, eat seasonally, and cook with whole foods. My hope is to inspire a love for amazing food, as well as the courage to try something new!